Dual layered display building block

ABSTRACT

A modular display system comprises a plurality of block members connected together along edges to form an enclosed display area. Each block member is formed of a pair of planar members removably connected together by magnets secured to each planar member to form a dual-layer arrangement in which the planar members abut each other at mating planar faces. The magnets associated with each planar member align with the magnets of the other planar member in order to secure the planar members together. The aligned magnets, in turn, align with magnets on a neighbouring bock member in order to secure said block members together. In this way, the block members may be assembled into a display enclosure.

The present invention relates to display systems for displaying goods, for example in a sales stand, and in particular to modular systems which enable displays to be built in a variety of different configurations.

Modular display systems exist in many different forms, the desirable characteristics being transportability, ease of assembly and versatility. Examples of such known systems are simple pin-board displays with a grid of holes in which are engageable display hooks in a variety of different positions and spacing allowing products to be hung on the hooks for display purposes and, similarly, display tray systems in which different sized trays are provided which can be located in a variety of different positions and which receive items for storage and display purposes. The problem with existing systems, however, is that in each case there are limits to the versatility of the system and, in particular for most systems, once configured for one application or space, the options for later re-configuration for other applications are much more limited.

Furthermore, current prior art systems rely on the provision of additional means for displaying product information such as price, etc, associated with the product. As such, separate pricing labels must be applied to products or to the display itself which, when removed, leave an unsightly glue mark.

According to the present invention, there is provided a block member which forms part of a modular display system comprising a pair of planar members removably connectable together to form a dual-layer arrangement, the planar members abutting together at mating planar faces, each of which has at least one fastening means which align with each other to connect the planar members together, and each planar member having fastening means associated with at least one edge for cooperating with fastening means provided on another block member in order to connect to said another block member for forming the modular display system.

The present invention further provides a modular display system comprising a plurality of block members connected together along edges, each block member being formed by a pair of planar members removably connectable together to form a dual-layer arrangement, the planar members abutting together at mating planar faces, each of which has at least one fastening means which align with each other to connect the planar members together, and each planar member having fastening means associated with at least one edge for cooperating with mating fastening means associated with an abutting edge of a neighbouring block member in order to secure said block members together.

A modular display system in accordance with the invention has the advantage that the interchangeable nature of said modular pieces enables each member to be connected to each other in many different ways such that many different display items can be accommodated and many varieties of display system created. Furthermore, the position of the planar member fastening means being toward the edge of said planar member enables information to be held between said planar members and thus within the block member without the need for glue or the like. Such information, for example a price label or picture, can thus be removed without leaving a mark when the modular display system is reconfigured for a different use and one or a pair of transparent planar members could form the block member, thus allowing the information held therein to be seen from just one side or either side of the block member.

Advantageously, the fastening means comprises at least one fastener, a magnet for example, which co-operate with each other to secure the planar members together as well as to securing adjacent block members to each other. This has the advantage that the modular elements of the display system to be attached and removed repeatedly without reducing the integrity of said fastening means.

Preferably each planar member is made of a light, durable and transparent material such as Perspex and, furthermore, the fastening means are positioned in each corner of the square planar member.

At least one aperture is preferably provided in one face of a planar member such that display items can be secured, for example pegged, thereto. Advantageously, a series of apertures are present in equi-spaced rows.

Preferably, at least one of the planar members which form the block member is transparent such that an item placed between the layers is visible through said transparent planar member.

It will be apparent that many types of fastening means could be used instead of, or in conjunction with, magnetic means and, similarly, many different means other than pegs could be used to secure items to the planar face of the display system. For example, each planar member may be provided with holes in which pegs are engageable in order to secure panels together. Alternatively, clips may be utilised which connected planar members together as well as connect block members together. Also, planar members of different size could be fastened together to form a dual-layered block member as long as the fastening means associated with each member aligned.

In order that the invention may be well understood, there will now be described an embodiment thereof, given by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of each of the components of the modular display system;

FIG. 2( a) is a perspective view of the modular display system, showing two block members connected perpendicularly;

FIG. 2( b) is a perspective view of the modular display system, showing three block members connected with associated connecting members;

FIG. 3 a is a pin for use with a display system according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 b is a top view of a block member which forms part of the display system of the second embodiment;

FIG. 3 c is a bottom view of the block member of FIG. 3 b; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the display system of the second embodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the components of a modular display system 100 and a first example configuration of said display system 100 is shown in FIG. 2( a). The display system 100 comprises two square block members 101 connected perpendicularly along an edge to form and ‘L’ shape. Each block member 101 comprises a pair of square planar members 102 to form a dual-layered block and said planar members 102 are held together by fastening means 103 located at each of the four corners. The fastening means 103 is of the form of magnetic blocks secured within the planar members 102.

Rows of equi-spaced apertures 104 are located on the top face of the planar member 102 that forms the base of the ‘L’-shaped display system 100. The apertures 104 are sized to receive a peg 105, each peg 105 being a press fit in said apertures 104.

A second example configuration of the display system 100 is shown in FIG. 2( b). A connecting member 106 of the form of a metal block which is magnetically attractive of a length equal to the width plus the thickness of a block member 101 is secured to the edge of the base block member 101 by the associated magnetic fastening means 103.

The length and width of the connecting member 106 is such that, when secured to the edge of the base block member 101, said connecting member 106 can support a further block member 101 perpendicular thereto and further connecting members 106 can be fastened to the other edges of the block members 101 such that many different shapes of modular display system 100 can be built.

The modular nature of the display system 100 enables each connecting member 106, planar member 102 and block member 101 to be interchangeable with the next and, therefore, many different shapes of display can be built. Furthermore, said interchangeableness of components means that many varieties of display can be achieved by using components of different colours, shapes and degrees of transparency. Additionally, apertures 104 in a face of a planar member 102 can be sized to receive many different peg shapes or the like such that many different display items can be secured thereto. Finally, the display system 100 is easily assembled and disassembled without the need for screws, glue or the like.

Referring next to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown an alternative system which is identical with the embodiment described above except that the layers of each block member are provided with apertures in which pins are engageable in order to secure the layers together to form the block member as well as to connect each block member to its an abutting block member or to an corner block which is provided to form a perfect cube.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 3 b, corner holes are provided for securing the layers together. Additional holes are then provided on the top surface of the block for mounting a display item in place. Holes may then be provided in the edges of the block members for attaching to another block member. Alternatively, clips may be used to secure each block to its neighbouring block. 

1. A block member which forms part of a modular display system, the block member comprising a pair of planar members removably connectable together to form a dual-layer arrangement, the planar members abutting together at mating planar faces, each of which has at least one fastening means which align with each other to connect the planar members together, and each planar member having fastening means associated with at least one edge for cooperating with fastening means provided on another block member in order to connect to said another block member for forming the modular display system.
 2. A block member according to claim 1, wherein the fastening means comprises at least one magnet associated with each planar member, said magnets co-operating with each other to secure the planar members together as well as to securing adjacent block members to each other.
 3. A block member according to claim 2, wherein each planar member has a magnet located at each corner.
 4. A block member according to claim 2, wherein each magnet locates in an opening provided in each planar member.
 5. A block member according to claim 1, wherein each planar member is made of a light, durable and transparent material such as Perspex.
 6. A block member according to claim 1, wherein at least one aperture is provided in one face of a planar member such that display items can be secured, for example pegged, thereto.
 7. A block member according to claim 6, wherein a series of apertures are provided in at least one planar member in equi-spaced rows.
 8. A block member according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the planar members which form the block member is transparent such that an item placed between the layers is visible through said transparent planar member.
 9. A modular display system comprising a plurality of block members connected together along edges, each block member comprising a pair of planar members removably connectable together to form a dual-layer arrangement, the planar members abutting together at mating planar faces, each of which has at least one fastening means which align with each other to connect the planar members together, and each planar member having fastening means associated with at least one edge for cooperating with mating fastening means associated with an abutting edge of a neighbouring block member in order to secure said block members together.
 10. A modular display system according to claim 9, wherein each planar member has a magnet located at each corner.
 11. A modular display system according to claim 10, wherein each magnet locates in an opening provided in each planar member.
 12. A modular display system according to claim 9, wherein each planar member is made of a light, durable and transparent material such as Perspex.
 13. A modular display system according to claim 9, wherein at least one aperture is provided in one face of a planar member such that display items can be secured, for example pegged, thereto.
 14. A modular display system according to claim 13, wherein a series of apertures are provided in at least one planar member in equi-spaced rows.
 15. A modular display system according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the planar members which form the block member is transparent such that an item placed between the layers is visible through said transparent planar member. 